Bahrain protest numbers increasing

Thousands of protesters are occupying Pearl Square at the centre of the Bahrain capital of Manama.

There have been three days of anti-government rallies with a core of protesters camped overnight and their numbers swelling during the day.

After initial clashes with security forces that left two dead and many injured, the police havre pulled back to ease tensions.

On wednesday over 1,000 people attended the funeral in Manama of a man who was killed on Tuesday during clashes with police at the funeral of another protester.

The protesters are calling for wide-ranging political reforms, including the release of political prisoners, a new constitution and more housing and better job prospects.

They also want Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa who has been in charge since Bahrain gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971 to step down. 40 years in power? Just a spring chicken by Middle Eastern standards.

Such is the gravity of the crisis that Bahrain’s King, Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, got on television and expressed regret about the deaths of protesters and said he would continue reforms begun in 2002 when the emirate became a constitutional monarchy.

The problems with Bahrain are more deep seated than just political reform. Like Iraq under Saddam Hussein, Bahrain is made up by a majority of Shia Muslim’s who are ruled by a minority Sunni population which includes the Royal family.

This has gone on for centuries and the Shia claim to have been oppressed and disadvantaged every step of the way. They will see the ‘revolution virus’ that is sweeping the Middle East as their opportunity to put the majority in charge for the first time.

The United States of America is a bit nervous about what is happening in Bahrain because they park their Fifth Fleet there.

Newswarped thinks that having large squares in the centre of the capital cities in the Middle East seems to be the problem. Without these squares the people would have nowhere to gather. Where would the protesters be without Tahrir Square, Pearl Square, Azadi Square etc?

So if there are any nervous dictators in that part of the world who are reading this – take my advice. Get rid of your squares and everything will be sweet.